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STUART — Five people, including two high school students, have been arrested after what Martin County sheriff’s investigators said is a series of robberies in the Golden Gate area.

The first incident was reported to have occurred Jan. 21, according to arrest affidavits released Friday. The victim in that case said his wallet containing $400, a Guatemalan identification card and a roofing work identification card were stolen. Another incident happened Monday on Southeast Clayton Street, in which the victim said four assailants approached him from behind. One, he said, had a gun.

At least six people reported being attacked, beaten and robbed, according to the sheriff’s Facebook post.

“They were using force, fear, intimidation, a BB gun that looked like a real handgun to take cash and jewelry and whatever valuables the victims had,” Sheriff William Snyder said.

Men identified as Carlos Fernando Garcia-Paguada, 19; Gerson Alberto Garcia-Hernandez, 18; Hector Armando Garcia-Godoy, 29; a 16-year-old boy and a 17-year-old boy, both listed as Martin County High School students, have been arrested. All were arrested on at least a single robbery charge, according to the arrest reports.

Investigators also are looking for a sixth person. They encouraged anyone who may have been a victim to notify authorities.

Snyder said the victims are Hispanic and live in the Golden Gate area.

“The sad part in this is that they were frightening the victims and saying 'if you tell the police we’ll kill your family',” Snyder said. “Clearly they were leaning on a cultural bias, hoping that they could convince their fellow Hispanic members of the community not to cooperate with law enforcement.”

The arrests happened Tuesday and Wednesday. Three of the accused assailants are related, sheriff's officials said.

Investigators found two air pistols at the 17-year-old’s home.

Treasure Coast Newspapers customarily does not name juveniles accused of crimes but does name some juveniles depending on the seriousness of the crime, their ages, aggravating circumstances and other factors.